“One Day More” is a powerful and emotionally charged song from the renowned musical “Les Misérables.” Composed by Claude-Michel Schönberg, with lyrics by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel, this iconic number has become a popular choice for flashmobs around the world. In this article, we’ll break down the different parts of the song, introduce the characters involved, and explore why “One Day More” is a frequent pick for flashmob performances.
Song Overview
“One Day More ” consists of multiple parts or sections that feature different characters singing their own lines. These parts include:
- Valjean and Javert
- The Revolutionaries (Enjolras, Marius, Eponine, Gavroche, etc.)
- The Lovers (Cosette and Marius)
- The Innkeepers (Thenardier and Madame Thenardier)
- The Ensemble (All characters coming together)
So, there are five distinct parts in “One Day More,” each featuring different characters or groups of characters, which contribute to the complexity and emotional depth of the song.
The Song & The Characters
Part 1: Valjean and Javert The song kicks off with the contrasting voices of two central characters: Jean Valjean and Inspector Javert. Valjean, a former convict who seeks redemption, expresses his desire to leave his criminal past behind, while Javert, the relentless lawman, vows to bring him to justice. Their dueling soliloquies set the stage for the moral and emotional conflicts that underpin the entire musical.
Part 2: The Revolutionaries The next part introduces us to the group of young revolutionaries led by Enjolras. Comprised of characters like Marius, Eponine, and Gavroche, they are united in their quest for justice and change. This section underscores their determination and idealism as they prepare for the impending revolution.
Part 3: The Lovers Cosette and Marius, deeply in love but separated by circumstances, share their anticipation of the coming events. Their longing and hope for a brighter future are palpable, adding a poignant dimension to the song.
Part 4: The Innkeepers Thenardier and Madame Thenardier, the conniving innkeepers, provide a humorous contrast to the more serious themes of the song. They are opportunistic and selfish, plotting to exploit the chaos of the revolution for personal gain.
Part 5: The Ensemble As the song progresses, all these characters and their respective storylines converge. Their voices combine in a crescendo, creating a dramatic and harmonious tapestry of emotions and motivations.
Why “One Day More” is a Popular Choice for Flashmobs:
- Emotional Range: “One Day More” covers a wide spectrum of emotions, from Valjean’s redemption to the revolutionary fervor, unrequited love, and dark comedy. This diversity allows flashmob participants to express a range of feelings and connect with a broad audience.
- Recognisable Melody: The song’s memorable melody and lyrics make it instantly recognizable to many people, drawing the attention of passersby and online viewers alike.
- Diverse Roles: The song offers multiple characters and perspectives, accommodating a large number of participants with varying singing and acting abilities.
- Dramatic Impact: The song’s dramatic structure and build-up make it an ideal choice for flashmobs, allowing for a dynamic and visually engaging performance.
- Universal Themes: “Les Misérables” explores universal themes of justice, love, and sacrifice, making it relatable to a wide audience.
“One Day More” from “Les Misérables” is a compelling and multifaceted song that encapsulates the essence of the musical. Its rich characters, emotional depth, and memorable melodies have made it a favorite choice for flashmobs around the world. Whether performed in the streets, a shopping mall, or a public square, this song has the power to captivate and move audiences, making it a perfect choice for those seeking to create memorable and impactful flashmob experiences.
Suitable Events / Occasions
A “One Day More” flashmob from the musical “Les Misérables” can be a spectacular and emotionally charged performance suitable for various events and occasions. Here are some occasions where such a flashmob would be particularly fitting:
- Theatrical Events: A “One Day More” flashmob can serve as a fantastic promotional stunt or as an opening act for a theater-related event, such as the premiere of a new musical, the launch of a theater season, or a theater’s anniversary celebration.
- Musical Celebrations: This flashmob is perfect for musical celebrations, such as music festivals, where it can be performed as a tribute to musical theater or as a surprise for festival-goers.
- Weddings: For theater-loving couples, a “One Day More” flashmob can be a unique and memorable addition to their wedding ceremony or reception, adding a touch of drama and entertainment.
- Anniversaries: Celebrating a significant personal or professional milestone? The song’s themes of reflection and anticipation can resonate well with the spirit of such occasions.
- Conventions and Fan Gatherings: Fans of “Les Misérables” and musical theater in general might organize flashmobs at conventions or gatherings related to theater and entertainment.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Flashmobs can be used to draw attention to important social or charitable causes. “One Day More” could be adapted to convey a message related to a particular cause, making it a powerful tool for awareness campaigns.
- Corporate Events: For businesses with a theatrical or creative focus, such as those in the entertainment industry, a flashmob like this can be a memorable team-building activity or a surprising element at company events.
- City Celebrations: In citywide festivals, parades, or events, a “One Day More” flashmob can become a centerpiece performance that captivates and engages the entire community.
- Surprise Performances: Flashmobs are all about surprise and spontaneity. Organizing a “One Day More” flashmob as a surprise for a loved one or a friend’s special occasion can be a heartwarming gesture.
- Community Fundraisers: When organizing fundraisers for local charities or community projects, incorporating a flashmob performance can attract attention, boost participation, and raise more funds for the cause.
In essence, the versatility and emotional depth of “One Day More” make it suitable for a wide range of events and occasions, from celebratory gatherings to awareness campaigns and more, provided the participants have the enthusiasm and talent to pull off such a performance.